Cleveland Dodd inquest: DoJ witnesses hire own lawyers after top official Doug Coyne admits mistruths to CCC

Top prison officials testifying at Cleveland Dodd’s inquest are hiring their own lawyers as increasingly damning and potentially incriminating evidence keeps flowing.

Testifying that he was not involved in the planning of Unit 18 where the Aboriginal boy fatally self-harmed in October, Andrew Beck was represented by Eric Heenan SC when he took the stand on Tuesday.

He was the deputy commissioner for women and young people for two years until mid-2022 when the controversial unit was created within Casuarina Prison and remains in the top ranks of the Department of Justice.

While he chose not to use State Solicitor’s Office lawyers, former director-general Adam Tomison not only accepted their help but was paid to prepare for and attend the inquest, in line with his previous $426,000 a year salary.

Cleveland Dodd inquest. Pictured - Adam Tomison leaves
Camera IconEvidence by WA’s former youth detention boss Adam Tomison prompted his lieutenant Christine Ginbey to get her own lawyer. Credit: Daniel Wilkins/The West Australian

He threw his key lieutenants Christine Ginbey and Mike Reynolds under the bus, admitting massive failings in youth detention and saying he relied on accurate information on how it was running from them.

Ms Ginbey, who was Mr Beck’s successor, responded by swiftly engaging Grant Donaldson SC and had her testimony delayed while he familiarised himself with the matter.

Pictures of Corrective Services Minister Bill Johnston and Department of Justice Deputy Commissioner Christine Ginbey will hold a press conference about last night’s riot at Banksia Hill., outside Parliament House in Perth.
Camera IconMs Ginbey — pictured with former corrective services minister Bill Johnston — had her evidence delayed while her lawyer gets up to speed. Credit: Ross Swanborough/The West Australian

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